Consultancy – Psychosocial Support Advisor at International Development Law Organization

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments, empowers people, and strengthens institutions to realize justice and promote peace and sustainable development. IDLO is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law and access to justice.

With its headquarters in Rome, Italy, a Branch Office in The Hague, and Permanent Observer Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, IDLO carries out policy advocacy, research and learning, as well as rule of law and justice programmes in countries through some 17 Country Offices operating in every region of the world.

The IDLO, in collaboration with other consortium members, is promoting a reformed and modernized Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system through the establishment and operationalization of a new ADR Centre in Somaliland under the Program ‘Strengthening the social contracts through access to justice” funded by the Government of the Netherlands (Also known as Damal Programme). The programme aims to foster the social contract in Somaliland by increasing the legitimacy of justice institutions.

The overall goal of the programme is expected to be achieved through three (3) intermediate outcomes: (1) improved access to an Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) mechanism and referral pathways, especially for vulnerable groups; (2) enhanced access to formal justice for vulnerable groups through holistic support to gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and affected communities; and (3) increased participation of citizens in Somaliland in accountability processes relating to the provision of security and justice. The specific mandate of each Centre is to facilitate the practice of ADR and settle claims and disputes at the community level, facilitating and increasing access to justice for the local population, particularly vulnerable categories.

THE ASSIGNMENT

IDLO seeks a short-term psychosocial support advisor to provide technical support to the establishment of psychosocial and mental health assistance. The advisor will carry out a needs assessment, develop a referral mapping system and provide training to implementing partners and ADR staff.

Period of Consultancy:

The consultant will be based in Hargeisa and is expected to work in 30 days.

The Specific objective of the training:

Under the direct supervision of the Field program manager, the advisor will collaborate with other Damal programme staff and implementing partners based in Somaliland. The advisor shall:

Carry out assessments in psychosocial support using a mixed variety of methodologies.
Offer technical advice for the psychosocial activities of Damal Program by the provision of technical support, training materials, and supplies.
Develop psychosocial referral mapping services and templates for follow-ups.
Develop and implement ideas for psychosocial programs with, women, children, and vulnerable groups in target sites.
Provide technical advice to relevant Damal program staff during the delivery period as well as attend meetings or relevant conferences related to the area of consultancy if requested.
Train the trainers and service providers on psychosocial support approaches and interventions including safe space and psychosocial first aid.

Scope of financial Proposal and Schedule of Payments

a) The advisor will be offered a lump sum fee inclusive of travel costs, accommodation, and subsistence allowance during work assignments (where applicable)

b) The payments will be made in installments based upon outputs/deliverables specified in the TOR (underpayment schedule) and upon certification of satisfactory work as per the work plan endorsed by Damal.

Payment Schedule

a) 20% on signing the contract and submission of a blueprint including methodology for the psychosocial support assessment and referral mapping system.

b) 40% on completion and submission of deliverables 1 to 3.

c) 40% on submission of deliverables 3 to 5 and confirmation from the supervisor

List of Deliverables

The advisor is expected to perform all the following deliverables:

Three pages Inception reports detailing the proposed methodology and agreed on work plan submitted within 5 days from the date of signing the Contract.
Develop a psychosocial referral mapping system for each implementation area.
Provide the Damal programme partner with support to implement their activities throughout the consultancy.
Training deliverable
Provide training to implemented partners on the provision of psychosocial support.
Detailed training plan (including objectives, methodology to be adopted, training modules, and schedule), to be sent in Microsoft Word format via electronic submission to the PM within five days after the signature of the agreement. The training plan should be a minimum of 5 pages.
PowerPoint presentations as well as training work for participants (i.e., case studies, group work, brainstorming, discussions, etc.), to be sent via electronic submission to the PM for review and input.
Pre-/post-test evaluation form to be utilized for each training session as well as completed pre-/post-test evaluation sheets. Completed forms to be sent via electronic submission to the PM.
Weekly reports providing updates from training and service mapping (such as a number of services recorded and composition of attendees, notable discussions, or reflections), to be submitted to the PM every Monday morning. Reports will be a minimum of 2 pages and are to be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word format. A sample template will be provided.
Report on assignment including an analysis of consultancy achievements, pre/post evaluation results, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for the future. The report should be at least 20 pages in length and will be submitted electronically within 15 days of completion of activities to the PM in Microsoft Word format.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Competencies

To deliver these above-mentioned objectives and the associated scope of work, IDLO is searching for a candidate with the following skills and experience:

Substantive experience and knowledge for SGBV psychosocial counseling and underlying factors causing mental health-related issues in Somaliland communities. IDLO and its partners operate in complex environments and deliver a diverse portfolio of projects. To deliver long-term outcomes (scale-up, replication, sustainability, etc.) and help the program develop a reputation for excellence (responsive, pioneering, professional, etc.) the successful candidate will need to demonstrate a deep conceptual understanding and identify SGBV related psychosocial symptoms and how to combat them.
Excellent knowledge and experience of training, one on one monitoring, and coaching. The Damal program is setting up a number of ADR centers and capacity development for local IPs. The successful candidate is expected to develop training material, templates, tools, forms, etc. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate a proven track record of delivery, which will allow them to build on this work and fully develop, implement and manage effective ADR-related capacity support.

Education and work experience

Advanced university degree in psychology, behavioral science, or another mental and social health-related field
At least seven years relevant and proven progressive experience in psychosocial counseling, with extensive experience with SGBV (Sexual and Gender-Based Violence) survivors
Proven experience in developing and delivering training on psychosocial support
Knowledge of the informal justice system and ADR is an asset

Language Skills

Fluent oral and writing in English and Somali.

Specific Technical Skills and competencies:

Excellent writing skills in English and Somali
Excellent knowledge of mental health concerns facing the communities in the eastern region of Somaliland and the main causes.
Demonstrated experience in conducting training.
Highly organized with the ability to work under pressure.

Assessment Criteria

Knowledge and understanding of psychosocial service provision – 25%
Experience in developing psychosocial referral mapping systems – 40%
Knowledge and experience of building a team and individual capacity and knowledge sharing on psychosocial education and service – 20%
Knowledge of mentoring and coaching TOT and Service providers particularly in the justice sector 15%

How to apply

All interested applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Applications will be screened on regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates. IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature; or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Contractor assigned to this work. This may not be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend or change responsibilities and/or even to cancel the recruitment without any notice to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and in compliance with IDLO’s policy on personal data protection.